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2018 XC90 AC air conditioning went. Out of warranty. How much to repair?

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44K views 106 replies 34 participants last post by  New2Volvo2019  
#1 ·
We have a 2018 XC90 T6 Inscription. Started off noticing the driver side was not cooling the driver while passenger was still getting some cooling. Then a week or so later, not cool at all. For temp relief I shot refrigerant in and it worked fine for a few weeks. Now its not cooling again. So most likely a major leak. I've read various posts from many with the same issue. Some dealers tell them its the condenser, some compressor, some say both or something else. I realize that the entire dash may have to be taken apart to get to the components. I dont want to be taken for a ride by the Volvo stealer, so I wanted some input from you guys with this issue, what did your dealer charge you and what parts did they replace?
Personally, since many seem to have this issue, Volvo should be recalling it or fixing it discounted. But since not a safety issue, they aren't required to do a recall. It's disappointing a 4.5 yr old car with 60k miles would need to replace the AC system. These are supposed to be sealed and should never need refrigerant for a long long time. I think my next car will be a Lexus.
 
#10 ·
This $3-4k job could have paid for itself if the warranty was purchased [emoji2369].

However, I do feel for the OP. Had multiple cars well over 100k miles that never had a single issue with the AC. That includes being in this Phoenix climate. Our 2017 XC90 almost made it to 70k miles before it needed AC work. To include a new compressor and evap core. Although I think the compressor was the dealer simply throwing parts at it the first time. Because it didn't fix the problem.

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#6 ·
@eric815 I feel for you, I really do. And yes, an AC system shouldn't need to be replaced anywhere near 4.5/60k But, and this is more for other new or prospective owners rather than to chastise you after the fact, these things are complex and expensive. Once you're out of warranty, that's your cost to fix and/or replace. It's exactly why I got the extended 5 year warranty for about $3k'ish? Just one disaster like this pays for itself and, even if I don't use it a single time, the peace of mind that I'm not driving a $4k timebomb is worth it to me. Other people feel differently about the risk-vs-cost, and that's fine, but your situation is exactly what I paid to prevent.

That said, if a $4k repair is going to break your world, I'd get it fixed and look to trade it for something more reliable or under warranty. Or
 
#11 ·
@Ultrarunner511
It was more commentary to a new forum member who wants to join and instantly blast dealerships/Volvo. Of course it's not supposed to break. But the purpose of a warranty is to cover it when it does. Of course the aggregate is in favor of the warranty company, that's frankly why Volvo warranties are actually pretty cheap. But it's nothing new in any machine to have a few have problems early. Buy enough cars and eventually you get unlucky.
 
#17 ·
Yeah sorry, my context didn't come across totally correct. I also didn't realize it was a first time poster. Buy the platinum VIP warranty. Then you can expect Volvo to fix what's wrong after the factory warranty. Otherwise, it's a toss up of goodwill and straight refusal [emoji2369].

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#15 ·
I see you just joined the forum. I see you did so to berate "stealerrships". I see you are GUESSING at what is wrong and not mad that it's expensive, when it could be a failed O-ring or loose fitting that costs little to repair. I see you didn't buy an extended warranty, and now you are mad you have to pay for things? I see you want to buy a Lexus (where I was a parts manager and service coordinator for years), and I'm sorry to say I've seen oodles of "dashboards pulled" to fix the A/C problem for thousands. You think this should be a recall or some discounted repair from Volvo?!? Are you familiar with how car dealerships work?

Maybe before you come on here to blast Volvo you should find out what the problem is first. You know, there is this thing called "good will" that often covers repairs like this so close to the warranty end date via funds from Volvo. I can assure you that this will not be offered to you with the rotten attitude you have. The dealer could have requested this from Volvo, but since they "steal" your money with their trained techs, fleet of loaner cars, modern facilities and the ability to assist you in ways only a dealer can.....well, they wont.

Welcome to the forum. You certainly know how to make an impressions. 😑
 
#18 ·
IT was working OK, then started to work less OK, then failed.
Sounds like it is low on "frigerants" stick another can in, and out the door, down the road. WTH, try it.
You aren't going to hurt anything if it hasn't been vented and normal air got INTO the system...
Maybe it was just VERY low and you only got it close... Or invest in a black light, and stick a can of dye in it, maybe you can find/fix the leak yourself instead of the dealer shotgunning parts at it on your dime. YO mention compressor/condensor/dash (evaporator) hell, could be a simple hose and a recharge. I would bet only 1 thing is wrong, and it isn't the compressor. It wouldn't work better after a can then fail again. Close the leak and chill out.
(Just my 2 cents...)
 
#19 ·
My dealer replaced a supposed faulty Shrader valve and added refrigerant, which solved the issue for about 3 weeks. Unfortunately, the problem returned a few weeks later and the evaporator needed to be replaced. So, in my case, it did work better after a can of refrigerant and then failed again.
 
#22 ·
FWIW, I would think to a small extent, warranties don't have to be actual profit generating to a large part, when by the actual manufacturer. People like most of us on this forum, if they are the ones that would buy the extended warranty, and it goes well, are also more likely to be the people that stay loyal to the brand, can't be a huge difference, but I'm sure it helps.
There is 1 downside to buying a warranty, the cost, and it is significant approaching downright expensive.
There are several benefits, in addition to the obvious "what if" situation that could be thousands of dollars but is covered.
If you sell/trade/cancel it early, you can get a refund, so you only pay for the warranty that you "used".
Some can be transferred passing a benefit onto the new owner, marginally increasing your car's value and/or sale ability. Plus, (at least to me) a car that is still under a warranty is worth more, less likely to have hidden unaddressed issues lurking to bite your wallet.
Peace of mind is worth a few bucks as well to many of us.
Plus there are the little perks of a warranty that may come into play like the roadside assistance and other benefits/coverages.
Anyway, yeah, they make money off of them, but I think when reasonably priced, still worth it overall.
 
#23 · (Edited)
Does anyone have a shop guide on how to remove the evaporator under the dash of a 2018 XC90 T6? I don't have an issue with the AC right now, but feel like this might be needed down the road. Im pretty confident I can disassemble the dash, just as long as I have a guide to follow. There is also the climate unit assembly that may be easier to just pop in rather than disassembling it to get to the evaporator. It may take around 4-6 hours to tear the whole dash and another hour to replace the climate box. Putting it back together will likely take me 3-4 hours.

once the evaporator is replaced and everythjng is put back together, im guessing equipment is needed to suck out all the air and then fill with refrigerant?

thanks!
 
#24 ·
I looked at some UTube video on replacement of evap core and one on cleaning the core. I will clean my evap core when I change the cabin filter. Removing the evap core accord to the video is a big job requiring occasional a second person who knows what he’s doing . I think I would leave the job to someone who has experience with my particular model. Definitely would not want just any AC guy touching it.
 
#32 ·
I have a 2017 XC 90, 67,000 miles. Same symptoms / issues. Was diagnosed at the dealer service center as both evaporators leaking and needing to be replaced. Total cost $7,000. Feel like this is inappropriate and indication faulty part / system design for a car of this age and mileage. Volvo Corp refused to provide a discount / subsidy for this. Wondering if its a broader issue with the model. My regular mechanic said he sees this issue regularly.
 
#36 ·
I have never had to replace an evaporator on any of our family vehicles. Some of the higher mile examples…all owned since new

‘89 grand caravan died at >350k miles
‘97 e320 sold at 270k
‘05 e320 cdi still running at 250k
‘08 ml550 still going at 225k
‘09 gl320 bluetec sold at 160k
‘14 grand Cherokee srt8 wrecked at 220k
‘08 ram 1500 4.7 still getting beat on at 420k
‘16 ram 2500 Cummins still going at 140k

so yeah…not normal. Our xc90 is still good at near 70k (knock on wood)
 
#50 ·
According to Volvo the evaporator is getting too cold and cracking, causing the leak. In addition to replacement they make you install a resistor to fool the climate control it is colder than what it really is to prevent freeze up. The failure rate on these is going to be huge, if not close to 100% in hot climates. If you havent already I'd go get an extended warranty and just wait for this to break. local dealer charges 6800 for it, we do it for around 4. Part is cheap it is just extremely labor intensive to remove the dash.
 
#55 ·
It’s just ridiculous people want to spout off such crass comments. I have NEVER claimed to know it all…quite the opposite is true. It’s why I do so many things, to keep learning. It’s how I’ve come to be quite knowledgeable about a variety of things, but I’m certainly no expert. Never claimed to be a master tech. Never claimed to be a tire engineer. Never claimed to be a glass specialist…but that can’t mean one doesn’t know a lot about those things. But…I’m vilified for that. It’s just pathetic, and MODERATORS do nothing. It’s why this forum has devolved into something bordering on useless.